Doesn't Car Share just mean giving lifts?

No that's a RIDESHARE scheme (which we also run for the benefit of our members), CAR SHARE is where the vehicles are jointly owned and shared. When you want to go somewhere you book one of the scheme vehicles, collect the keys and you drive it.

The integrated rideshare scheme allows members to share jounreys IF THEY WANT TO, either using scheme vehicles or members can register their own cars as well. A specialist program on this site, links drivers and passengers, then its up to the members themselves to decide on what is reasonable regrading the shared costs.

Once the cost is agreed, the member passenger signs a note on the back of the End Journey form, detailing their member ID, date of trip and the amount agreed they would pay (this sum is added to the passengers' monthly invoice and the same amount deducted from the drivers account).

Can I get a car when I want one?

Usually, yes. Car bookings are on a first-come first-served basis, but experience in other Car Clubs through the country shows that there is little problem with availability, and no Car Club maintains a better ratio than Hour Car - at least one car per 10 members. In the unlikely event that it's not available you can see at a glance when it will be so you can either choose an alternative time or you can email us and ask to go on a waiting list in the event that the booking is cancelled.

How do the hire costs work out for a weekend?

Very competitive! Unlike Car Hire companies we charge by the half hour so it will depend when you are taking the car and bringing it back. 9am Saturday to 6pm Sunday works out at £39; 7pm Friday to 6pm Sunday will cost £46.50. Fuel costs, charged at cost, will be on top of this.

What about using the Hour Car car for a holiday?

Although we calculate our car charges differently from Hire companies, costs for a week's hire are comparative at around £150 for a full week - but remember you will make a considerable saving on this for a part week. Hour Car works out very well for shorter journeys, an hour's charge at £2.50 compares superbly with a taxi, for example.

What happens if I run low on Bio Diesel?

Simply fill up with ordinary Diesel at any petrol station. The fuels will mix without any problem.

What about transporting pets?

We allow dogs in the back of our Astra Estate and Citroen Berlingo, so long as there is a boot liner in place and a dog guard (which we will supply). Only pets in baskets/pet containers are allowed in the Corsa and Fabia or travelling inside the passenger section of any car.

I don't need a car very often. Is it still worth joining?

Yes! It probably is. You are paying £10 a month for membership and it does not take more than one or two journeys a month to save this amount. Sit down with our figures and work out how worthwhile it is.

Will there be access to children's seats and other resources?

Yes, we have booster and childrens seats available, as well as a roof-rack, petguard for the Astra etc. For a full list visit our accessories page - to book, just add the accessory you need to the instruction section of the booking form or send us an email requesting it (you do need to give us 24 hours notice). If there are other specific items that would be useful to members, why not tell us about it and if there is a demand, we will try and add them to our resources.

Will the vehicles be well maintained?

Yes, we have a contract with a local garage to carry out regular services, each vehicle is checked by staff on a regular basis and all drivers are required to carry out a basic check before and after driving the vehicles. We also reward users (our 'Good Driver Bonus' Scheme) who keep the vehicles in good condition.

I'm a bike rider. Does this fit with Hour Car membership?

Hour Car membership could be an ideal option for bike riders. In this valley only the fittest cyclists can get out over the tops and using an Hour Car vehicle will extend your range greatly. We have a bike rack which will take 3 bikes, which is available with the Astra and a security rail to fasten your bike to at the cars' location if you don't want to take it with you.

Can I get a car when I want one?

Usually, yes. Car bookings are on a first-come first-served basis, but our own experience together with that from other Car Clubs through the country shows that there is little problem with availability. And no Car Club maintains a better ratio than Hour Car - at least one car per 10 members. In the unlikely event that it's not available you can see at a glance when it will be so you can either choose an alternative time or you can email us and ask to go on a waiting list in the event that the booking is cancelled.